Brazilian star Neymar, Santos forward, sparked controversy in his country after missing his team's match against Venezuelan side Universidad Central in the Copa Sudamericana, while simultaneously participating in a professional poker tournament held in São Paulo.

The Serbian newspaper Sportske Journal reported that Neymar did not travel with the Santos delegation for the match, which ended in a 4-1 victory, preferring to stay in São Paulo, where he took part in a poker competition held at the Golden Hall.

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The newspaper explained that Santos management had granted the player permission to skip the trip as part of a special training program designed for him following his World Cup participation, but did not disclose whether this permission extended to his involvement in the poker tournament. Neymar is known for his great passion for the game, having previously participated in the same tournament's previous edition and won a cash prize, making him a regular face in professional poker events alongside his football career.